“We are proud of the actions of Officer Allen in this unusual situation,” Busey said in a release. “Our officers continue to do the right thing at the right moment. Although this isn’t in the normal course of his duties, Officer Allen made a judgment call that saved the life of someone’s pet.”

Swanson continues to speak enthusiastically about Allen’s rescue of Tucker and intends to write a letter to Busey to formally express his gratitude.

“My dog wouldn’t have been able to get out (of the water) unless someone went into the water and got him and that’s what Officer Allen did,” Swanson said. “He went above and beyond what any police officer would do by going into the water and grabbing my dog and pulling him out ... he saved his life. He literally saved his life.”